Dave McGillivray Inducted into Merrimack College Athletics Hall of Fame

Founder and president of DMSE Sports is a renowned race director, endurance athlete and motivational speaker

NORTH ANDOVER, MASS. (October 13, 2017) – Dave McGillivray, race director of the Boston Marathon and numerous other races throughout the U.S., has been inducted into the Merrimack College Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2017.

The 1976 valedictorian and class president of Merrimack College, McGillivray has gone on to become a renowned race director, endurance athlete and motivational speaker. He was inducted along with 11 others at the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday night (Oct. 12).  

The 12-member Hall of Fame Class of 2017 includes 10 former student-athletes who brought distinction, honor and excellence to Merrimack College as well as two additional individuals – including McGillivray, the founder and president of DMSE Sports - whose “merit, special contributions, and leadership helped advance the College and its athletic program”.

"We are proud to honor all these outstanding student-athletes, and generous supporters of our programs, who helped make Merrimack the success it is today," said President Christopher E. Hopey. "These men and women excelled on and off the field as members of the Merrimack community, and we hold them up as examples to current and future students, and to the world, of what the Warrior spirit embodies."

McGillivray has remained involved with his alma mater over the years. He helped start the Merrimack cross country and track teams, founded the McGillivray Mini-Marathon at Merrimack, biked 1,500 miles around New England for a Merrimack fundraiser, and served as the Commencement speaker in 2012. Last year, he created the DMSE Sports Classic, a weekend of road race events held on the Merrimack College campus.

“In addition to a great education, one of the most impactful things Merrimack gave me was confidence in not underestimating my own ability and confidence in setting goals, not limits,” said McGillivray.

He added, “I’ve always felt there is no such thing as an individual achievement. It takes a village. We are only as good as the people we surround ourselves with. I owe 99 percent of my career accomplishments to my industry colleagues, all the folks at the B.A.A., my team at DMSE Sports and, of course, my supportive family and friends.”

In addition to McGillivray, the 2017 Hall of Fame class includes Molly Cindric, Women's Volleyball, 2011; Darren Duncan, Men's Basketball, 2010; Jim Hrivnak, Men's Ice Hockey, 1989; Andrew Jackson, Football, 2008; Andrea Leonard, Women's Cross Country, 2000; Joelle Martin, Women's Basketball, 2006; Steve McAuliffe, Men's Soccer, 1998; Raffaella Paparo, Softball, 1996; Sue Plante, Women's Soccer, 1990; Greg Rogowski, Men's Lacrosse, 2009; and Richard Gallant, Special Contributor, Honorary Degree 2015.

The Hall of Fame induction coincides with Merrimack’s annual Homecoming Weekend. Thursday night’s ceremony, marking the re-launch of the Merrimack Athletics Hall of Fame, included the unveiling of the newly renovated Hall of Fame Gallery at the Merrimack Athletics Complex's Volpe Center.

McGillivray is a pioneer in what is now one of the most important aspects of the endurance sports industry – combining athletics with philanthropy. He and the races he has managed through DMSE Sports have raised millions for charity, including through his legendary feats of endurance, such as running across the U.S. two different times.

In addition to serving as the technical and race director of the famed Boston Marathon for 30 years, McGillivray also completed his 45th consecutive Boston Marathon earlier this year.

As the owner and president of DMSE, Inc., known as DMSE Sports, McGillivray and his company have become a leader in the sports management field with over 75 staff and consultants locally and across the country. The firm manages more than 30 running events and races a year throughout the U.S. – from Maine to California.

Nearly every DMSE Sports event combines fitness and fundraising, giving back to the Jimmy Fund and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Children’s Hospital, Lazarus House, Martin Richard Foundation and many other charities and non-profit organizations in New England and across the country.

McGillivray, a Medford native who now lives in North Andover, Mass., is also known as an inspirational speaker who gives talks to schoolchildren and a variety of groups throughout the country. He just published a children’s picture book called “Dream Big”, based on his 2006 autobiography, “The Last Pick”.

McGillivray’s next endurance goal is to compete in the 2018 World Marathon Challenge in January, when he will attempt to complete seven marathons on seven continents in seven days.

About DMSE Sports
Founded by Dave McGillivray in 1981, DMSE Sports is a leader in sports event management, specializing in creating, marketing and producing mass participatory athletic events throughout the U.S. and abroad. DMSE works with the B.A.A operations team in overseeing all the logistics and technical operations of the B.A.A. Boston Marathon, and manages the TD Beach to Beacon in Maine, the New Balance Falmouth Road Race on Cape Cod, the Finish at the 50 at Patriot Place, the Feaster Five, the Bellin Run in Green Bay, Wis., For additional information on McGillivray or DMSE Sports, visit www.dmsesports.com or find DMSE on Facebook and Twitter.

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Image #4: Merrimack College President Christopher E. Hopey (left), Dave McGillivray and Jeremy Gibson, Merrimack College Director of Athletics

Merrimack College Athletics Hall of Fame plaque honoring Dave McGillivray

Dave McGillivray giving Commencement Address at Merrimack College in 2012

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